Rubio Dismisses Claims Trump Dozes Off in Cabinet Meetings as 'Absurd and Ridiculous'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday dismissed reports that President Donald Trump frequently dozes off during cabinet meetings, calling them "absurd and ridiculous." Rubio emphasized Trump's tireless work ethic and mental acuity, despite ongoing public skepticism about the 79-year-old president's health. A recent poll found that 59% of respondents doubt his mental fitness to lead.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 15:11
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WASHINGTON (CNA/AP) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday dismissed claims that President Donald Trump frequently falls asleep during cabinet meetings, as questions persist about the health of the oldest president ever to take office in the United States.
During a congressional hearing, Rubio was shown video clips appearing to show Trump, 79, with his eyes closed while Rubio spoke beside him.
"I don't even know how to respond to that, other than to tell you that it's absurd and it's ridiculous," Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"You can dislike his policies. You can dislike the decisions he makes. But I can assure you, this is not a president who falls asleep or has any form of cognitive impairment in any way, shape, or form," Rubio added.
"In fact, he is very active, in many cases more active than younger people around him. These are all facts," he said.
Rubio defended Trump, describing the US leader as someone who works constantly and sleeps very little.
"I speak to him at all hours of the day and night. His work hours are inhumane," Rubio said.
Trump will turn 80 on June 14. Unlike former President Joe Biden, who faced intense scrutiny over his age and health due to frequent falls and occasional gaffes towards the end of his term, Trump has largely avoided such questions.
However, doubts about Trump's health persist. A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 59% of respondents believe Trump lacks the mental capacity to lead the country, while 55% said he lacks the physical health to do so.
Trump underwent his latest physical exam last week, and his doctor declared him to be in "excellent health," but recommended he lose weight.
Compared to the beginning of his second term, Trump's public schedule has noticeably decreased in recent months.
During a congressional hearing, Rubio was shown video clips appearing to show Trump, 79, with his eyes closed while Rubio spoke beside him.
"I don't even know how to respond to that, other than to tell you that it's absurd and it's ridiculous," Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"You can dislike his policies. You can dislike the decisions he makes. But I can assure you, this is not a president who falls asleep or has any form of cognitive impairment in any way, shape, or form," Rubio added.
"In fact, he is very active, in many cases more active than younger people around him. These are all facts," he said.
Rubio defended Trump, describing the US leader as someone who works constantly and sleeps very little.
"I speak to him at all hours of the day and night. His work hours are inhumane," Rubio said.
Trump will turn 80 on June 14. Unlike former President Joe Biden, who faced intense scrutiny over his age and health due to frequent falls and occasional gaffes towards the end of his term, Trump has largely avoided such questions.
However, doubts about Trump's health persist. A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 59% of respondents believe Trump lacks the mental capacity to lead the country, while 55% said he lacks the physical health to do so.
Trump underwent his latest physical exam last week, and his doctor declared him to be in "excellent health," but recommended he lose weight.
Compared to the beginning of his second term, Trump's public schedule has noticeably decreased in recent months.